While on a recent trip through Austin, Texas I heard a radio ad from the local utility requesting assistance in controlling peak demand.
If customers choose to participate, the electrical utility will text page them to warn that the grid is reaching a peak capacity. The message will request that the customer please turn off all possible devices and turn up the thermostat 3 degrees.
The pitch from the local utility is that they can prevent building a new power plant over the next 5 years with cooperation from the customers. Now imagine the statement from the electrical utility. They are not promising to lower rates… they are merely asking for help in improving the environment. The Austin market is very sensitive to environmental concerns.
The participants will receive a text page when the plant is overloaded and are asked to reduce their electricity usage between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Delay running dishwashers and washers/dryers until outside of this four hour window.
In addition, the utility would send voluntary text pages to interested customers with a specific request to turn up thermostat on the air-conditioner 3 degrees on a maximum electrical load day. On this specific day in Austin the ambient temperature was 100F with the heat index at 108F. This is a true commitment from the customers! …and an indirect pay back in the form of less capital costs from the Electrical Provider.
This commercial and some discussion with my wife on our road trip (side note – not so economically friendly) resulted in me thinking about efficiency and shaving the tops off the peak loads.
Cheers,
Loyd
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